FORMER U.S. SENATOR MACK MATTINGLY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly has endorsed John McCain for president.

"I have known John McCain for many years, and I trust him. We have spent time a lot of time together campaigning for Republicans that share our belief in a strong national defense and cutting wasteful government spending," said Mattingly. "I am proud to join economic conservatives like Phil Gramm and Jack Kemp as well as thousands of my fellow military veterans in supporting Senator McCain."

John McCain thanked Senator Mattingly for his support, stating, "Over the years I have come to admire Mack for his selfless service to the great state of Georgia. I have seen the positive difference his leadership has made, and I am confident that with Mack's support, we are well on our way to victory."

While serving in the United States Air Force, Mack Mattingly was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. He returned to Georgia after graduating college and became involved in the Georgia Republican Party, serving as Chairman from 1975-1977. Mattingly defeated incumbent Herman Talmadge for U.S Senate in 1980 and represented Georgia for one term. President Reagan appointed him Assistant Secretary General for Defense Support for NATO in 1987, and President Bush appointed him Ambassador to the Republic of the Seychelles in 1993. In 2000, Mattingly was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Mack Mattingly currently lives on St. Simons Island with his wife Leslie and remains active in Republican politics.